Moreland has Melbourne's greatest concentration of pokies and has a high population of vulnerable people. Residents spent $69 million on pokies last financial year.

A survey of 601 residents found that 63 per cent of respondents had gambled at least once in the past 12 months.

Only 20 per cent of those who revealed they had gambled said they played the pokies during that time.

Seven per cent of the same group said they had experienced financial difficulties or family troubles.

The study also found that people who felt socially isolated were more likely to gamble.

Moreland's culturally and linguistically diverse community was more likely to have a gambling problem than native English speakers, the survey found.

Councillor Stella Kariofyllidis said problem gambling was a huge issue in Moreland.

The council has created a differential rating scheme, charging gambling venues twice as much as other properties. Last financial year the scheme raised $150,000, which the council used for gambling research and education to address some of the damage caused.

"Fifty four per cent of Moreland's community speak a language other than English. This heightens the need to keep our differential rate," said Cr Kariofyllidis.

"Our research shows [gamblers] are seduced by the bright lights and pervasive marketing but don't know that the odds are stacked against them."

Moreland has 765 electronic gaming machines in 15 venues, the highest concentration in metropolitan Melbourne.